Karen A. (Mchugh) Bannister

Karen A. (McHugh) Bannister, 72, of Peterborough, NH, formerly of Braintree, MA, passed away on September 21, 2024, with her family by her side. Karen was born on November 8, 1951, in Boston, to the late Paul J. McHugh, Detective, Braintree, MA Police Department, Retired, and the late Eleanore F. McHugh.

Karen is survived by her husband, Alan of Peterborough, daughter Kristen Allfrey and her husband Philip, of Londonderry, NH, and son Michael Bannister and his wife Stephany, of Waltham, MA. ‘Ba’ is also survived by her four grandchildren Abigail and Benjamin Allfrey and Logan and Fernanda Bannister, all of whom she cherished dearly.

Karen was one of eight children and “the sister from New Hampshire”. Sisters Kim and Kathy and brothers Kevin, Deputy Chief, Braintree, MA Police Dept., Retired, the late Kenneth, Chief, Braintree, MA Fire Dept., Retired, Kerry, Sgt, MA State Police, Retired, Kurt and Keith. Karen is survived by brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Karen met Alan at the JL Hammett Company 50 years ago. They moved to Peterborough, NH, in 1985 where she and Alan raised their children and have resided ever since. Karen worked for Noone Falls and ran The Boiler House restaurant for many years where she was fortunate enough to meet Julia Child on two occasions. Karen was also a pool shark among the locals at the bar at The Boiler House. After The Boiler House closed Karen worked at the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Atlas Fireworks and several other offices around town. Additionally, Karen proudly served the town as a Supervisor of the Checklist.

Karen was active in the American Legion with her parents and loved to travel all around for conventions. She was active in St. Peter's Church and Divine Mercy Parish Women's Guild where she enjoyed creating items for the craft fairs. Karen developed a love of kayaking in her retirement and also cared for her grandchildren several days per week.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, September 25, 2024, from 5-7p at Jellison Funeral Home, 25 Concord Street, Peterborough, NH.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Divine Mercy Parish, 12 Church Street, Peterborough, NH on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 11am. Karen's final resting place will be back in Braintree, MA; she will be buried at Blue Hill Cemetery where her parents and brother are laid to rest. A graveside service will be held at 11am on Friday, September 27, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Karen's memory to Home Healthcare Hospice & Community Services , Monadnock Community Hospital or Divine Mercy Parish Women's Guild.